Things to do in Inverness

Home to our most northern hotels, Inverness is the gateway to the stunning Scottish Highlands, a truly mystical and magical area. From whisky distilleries galore to the fabled Loch Ness monster, Inverness is the largest city in the north and also, according to a recent survey, the happiest! There’s more to it than just Nessy and whisky however. The city is packed full of restaurants, pubs and bars celebrating the region’s fine produce and museums, historic buildings and festivals alive with the its rich history, meaning you’ll never be left wondering what to do in Inverness. And you can discover the best place to stay with our Inverness hotels guide, keeping you right in the heart of the action. Try the haggis bon bons at The Fig and Thistle, get down with the bagpipers at Gellion’s weekly ceilidh or check out the famous Highland Games held every summer. You can take a stroll along the historic River Ness that flows through the city or head into the Highlands and explore the great outdoors – if you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights on a clear winter night!

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Attractions

From historic castles dating back centuries to nature reserves, botanic gardens, ancient churches and cathedrals to infamous battlefields, there’s lots to see and do in Inverness.

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Shopping

Dominated by the modern Eastgate Shopping Centre, Inverness boasts a wide range of stores spanning high street classics to shops selling bespoke kilts and decades-old whiskies.

Loch Ness

Whether you believe in Nessie or not, Loch Ness is worth a visit just for its stunning scenery. The largest body of water in the UK, it’s the perfect place to explore, with historic castles and amazing wildlife. Plus, Nessieland is a highlight for the believers.

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Culture

Music festivals, the Highland Games, film festivals, art galleries, scale replicas of the Titanic, knitting celebrations and expert kilt-makers – it’s all going on in Inverness, and we’ve got the lowdown on what to see and do.

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Entertainment

The main entertainment hub for the north of Scotland, Inverness is a bustling city, alive with live-music venues, theatre, comedy, musicals, alternative and mainstream cinema, rugby and football.

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Places to eat

Haggis naturally looms large across Inverness restaurants, but with excellent European, Thai and Indian menus, and some wonderful cafés as well, there are plenty of options to enjoy besides the humble haggis.

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Nightlife

Home to some of the oldest pubs and bars in the north of Scotland, you’re never far away from a real ale, single malt or even a good old highland fling. And thanks to an influx of cool bars, Inverness can now boast several impressive cocktail dens too.

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Pubs

We’ve hand-picked the best six pubs in Inverness ranging from historic public houses to gastropubs, live music venues and, of course, where to find the best single malts in the city.

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Cawdor Castle

With connections to Macbeth and dating back to the 14th century, Cawdor Castle is a stunningly preserved tower-house, which is home to some amazing gardens and prized art.

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Getting around

With an airport just 10 minutes away and direct trains across Scotland and down to London, Inverness is a well-connected city that’s easy to get around. Find out how to travel in style during your stay with our helpful guide.

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